West Virginia has been home to a wide variety of talented musicians over the years, spanning genres from country and bluegrass to rock and roll and beyond. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at 10 famous singers from West Virginia who have made their mark on the music industry and left an enduring legacy.
Among the artists we’ll be exploring are country music legends like Little Jimmy Dickens and Hawkshaw Hawkins, as well as more contemporary stars like Brad Paisley and Steve Whiteman. We’ll also delve into the world of bluegrass with artists like The Lilly Brothers and Johnny Staats, and explore the unique sound of rockabilly icon Hasil Adkins. Each of these artists has had a significant impact on their respective genres and on the broader music landscape, and their contributions continue to be celebrated by fans and musicians alike. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of West Virginia music or simply curious about the state’s musical legacy, this article is sure to be an enlightening and entertaining read.
1. Little Jimmy Dickens
Little Jimmy Dickens was an American country music singer from West Virginia who was known for his humorous novelty songs and small stature. He began his music career in the late 1940s and became a regular on the Grand Ole Opry radio show, where he remained a beloved member for over 60 years. Some of his most popular songs include “May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose” and “Take an Old Cold Tater (And Wait).” Despite his small size, standing at just 4’11”, he had a big personality and was known for his colorful stage costumes and energetic performances. Dickens passed away in 2015 at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer of country music and one of its most entertaining performers.
2. Bill Withers
Bill Withers was an American singer-songwriter from Slab Fork, West Virginia, who gained widespread fame in the 1970s for his soulful, introspective hits such as “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lean on Me,” and “Lovely Day.” Withers’ music blended elements of soul, folk, and R&B to create a unique sound that spoke to people across generations. He began his career in music later in life, after serving in the Navy and working in various jobs, and his relatable lyrics and warm voice made him an instant success. Despite only releasing a handful of albums, Withers left an indelible mark on popular music and influenced countless artists with his soulful, honest approach. Withers passed away in 2020 at the age of 81, but his music continues to resonate with listeners around the world.
3. Hasil Adkins
Hasil Adkins was an American singer-songwriter from Boone County, West Virginia, who was known for his unique blend of rockabilly, country, and garage rock. He began his career in the 1950s, performing on local radio shows and self-releasing his music on homemade recordings. Adkins’ music was raw and unpolished, featuring distorted guitar riffs and primal drum beats, and his lyrics often focused on themes of love, lust, and violence. Despite never achieving mainstream success, Adkins became a cult favorite among punk rock and garage rock fans in the 1980s and 1990s, and his music continues to be celebrated for its raw energy and DIY spirit. Adkins passed away in 2005 at the age of 67, but his legacy as an outsider artist and underground icon lives on.
4. The Lilly Brothers
The Lilly Brothers were a bluegrass duo from West Virginia consisting of brothers Everett and Bea Lilly. They began their career in the 1940s and quickly became known for their tight harmonies and skilled musicianship on the guitar, banjo, and mandolin. The Lilly Brothers were pioneers of the bluegrass genre and helped to popularize it in the Northeastern United States, where they were based for much of their career. They performed regularly on the popular folk music show, “Hootenanny,” in the 1960s, and their influence can still be heard in the work of many contemporary bluegrass artists. Despite facing various obstacles throughout their career, including a legal battle with a former manager, the Lilly Brothers remained dedicated to their music and are remembered as some of the finest bluegrass musicians to come out of West Virginia.
5. Hawkshaw Hawkins
Hawkshaw Hawkins was an American country music singer from Huntington, West Virginia, who rose to fame in the 1950s with hits such as “Slow Poke” and “Lonesome 7-7203.” Hawkins’ rich baritone voice and classic country sound made him a favorite among fans of the genre, and he was known for his energetic live performances. Hawkins tragically died in 1963 in a plane crash along with fellow country stars Patsy Cline and Cowboy Copas, just as he was entering the peak of his career. Despite his untimely death, Hawkins left behind a legacy as one of the most talented country singers of his time, and his music continues to be celebrated by fans of classic country music.
6. Steve Whiteman
Steve Whiteman is an American rock singer from Parkersburg, West Virginia, who is best known as the lead vocalist for the band Kix. Kix formed in the late 1970s and achieved commercial success in the 1980s with hits such as “Don’t Close Your Eyes” and “Blow My Fuse.” Whiteman’s powerful voice and energetic stage presence helped to make Kix one of the most popular hard rock bands of their era, and he remains a beloved figure among fans of the genre. After Kix disbanded in the mid-1990s, Whiteman continued to perform and record music, both as a solo artist and with various bands. He has also worked as a radio personality and voiceover artist, and his contributions to the world of rock music have cemented his place as one of West Virginia’s most influential musicians.
7. Brad Paisley
Brad Paisley is an American country music singer-songwriter and guitarist from Glen Dale, West Virginia. He began his music career in the late 1990s and quickly established himself as one of the genre’s most talented and innovative artists. Paisley’s music blends traditional country sounds with modern production techniques and clever, often humorous lyrics, and his guitar playing has earned him praise from fellow musicians and fans alike. He has released numerous hit songs, including “Whiskey Lullaby” and “She’s Everything,” and has won multiple Grammy Awards for his work. In addition to his music career, Paisley is also known for his philanthropic work and dedication to charitable causes, particularly those related to education and the arts. He is a beloved figure in the world of country music and a proud ambassador for the state of West Virginia.
8. Johnny Paycheck
Johnny Paycheck was an American country music singer and songwriter from Greenfield, Ohio, who spent much of his career living and performing in West Virginia. He first rose to fame in the 1970s with hits such as “She’s All I Got” and “Take This Job and Shove It,” which became a cultural touchstone for blue-collar workers across the country. Paycheck’s music often explored themes of love, heartbreak, and the struggles of everyday life, and his deep, resonant voice made him a beloved figure in the world of country music. Despite battling personal demons throughout his life, including drug addiction and legal troubles, Paycheck remained dedicated to his music and continued to perform and record until his death in 2003 at the age of 64. He is remembered as one of the most influential and iconic country singers of his era.
9. Hazel Dickens
Hazel Dickens was an American bluegrass singer-songwriter and instrumentalist from Mercer County, West Virginia, who is remembered as one of the most influential women in the history of the genre. Dickens began her music career in the 1950s, performing with her brother in a duo that blended traditional Appalachian sounds with elements of folk and country music. She went on to release several acclaimed solo albums and collaborated with numerous other artists throughout her career. Dickens’ music often focused on themes of social justice and the struggles of working-class people, and her powerful voice and deft musicianship earned her a reputation as a true icon of the bluegrass scene. Despite her passing in 2011, Dickens’ influence continues to be felt in the world of folk and country music, and her legacy as a pioneering female musician and activist is a testament to her enduring importance.
10. Johnny Staats
Johnny Staats is an American bluegrass musician and mandolin player from Parkersburg, West Virginia, who is known for his virtuosic instrumental skills and dynamic live performances. He began playing music as a child and quickly developed a passion for bluegrass, citing influences such as Bill Monroe and Ricky Skaggs. Staats has released several albums of his own music, including the critically acclaimed “Wires and Wood,” and has collaborated with numerous other bluegrass artists throughout his career. His lightning-fast mandolin playing and unique approach to traditional bluegrass have earned him a devoted following among fans of the genre, and he is widely regarded as one of the most talented musicians to come out of West Virginia. Despite his success, Staats remains humble and dedicated to his craft, and his music continues to inspire and delight listeners around the world.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
